Games legacy boost as city lands top athletics event

Birmingham has been named as the host of the 2026 European Athletics Championships.

The renovated Alexander Stadium, which was used when the Commonwealth Games took place in the city earlier this year, will be the venue for the event.

Confirmation came after Birmingham 's only rival, Budapest, withdrew from the bidding process.

It will be the first time the Championships have been held in the United Kingdom.

The news comes as another boost for the city on the back of its successful hosting of Commonwealth Games, when the Alexander Stadium attracted capacity crowds for athletics events.

UK Athletics (UKA) chief executive Jack Buckner said it was "wonderful news for athletics".

He added: "UKA has held a long-time wish to deliver this event and we thank European Athletics for its faith in entrusting us with its most important competition.

"Our vision for the Championships is about record-breaking ticket sales and an amazing atmosphere for athletes to be inspired inside and outside the stadium.

“We have promised to deliver an amazing, innovative and game-changing Championships, and we're excited we can now put this plan into action. ”

The Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr staged the athletics as well as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The venue holds 18,000 spectators in its permanent configuration, with temporary seating raising the capacity to 30,000 for Birmingham 2022.

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Just three months ago Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games closed with a joyous celebration of the region's musical heritage.

“While rather a lot has happened since, its pleasing to see legacy firmly on the agenda with world-class hosting of world-class sporting events forming part of the city's strategy to promote Birmingham as the brilliant place it is to live, work and invest. ”